Fantasy islands
Catch a pleasure cruiser or a speedboat from the marina to observe these gentle giants of the deep as they ride the bow waves of the boats at a distance almost close enough to touch.
Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote
Cataclysmic eruptions covered most of the island in molten lava and volcanic ash between 1730 and 1736, burying 11 villages and driving the population from the island.
The most dramatic of these landscapes is now the UNESCOlisted Timanfaya National Park, which has huge areas of solidified lava as well as molten lava still moving beneath it. At the Islote de Hilario at the top of the volcanic cone, park rangers amaze visitors with their demonstrations of the tremendous heat by pouring water into the ground which, within seconds, shoots back out in a boiling geyser, and throwing dry branches into depressions that then burst into flames. Book a table at the cylindricalEl Diablo restaurant, designed by Cesar Manrique, for meaty delights barbecued over a giant grill heated by the volcano.
This is followed by an eruption ceremony, where a flaming model volcano is wheeled through the darkened restaurant to music, before diners are treated to a mini volcanoshaped cake for dessert.
Roque Nublo, Gran Canaria
Although not the highest peak on Gran Canaria, Roque Nublo (Cloud Rock) is certainly the most famous. It’s one of the biggest natural crags in the world and can be seen from almost anywhere on the island.
The Roque Nublo trekking route starts on the main road and follows a mile-long trail to the natural rock monument and its brother, Roque de la Rana, passing Roque de El Fraile.
The circular path, stretching just over three miles, allows you to see the great dams of Las Ninas, Chira and Soria and the towns of Artenara and
Acusa. The views from Caldera de Tejeda, Llanos de la Pez and Pozo de las Nieves are stunning.
Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife
Packed with outstanding architecture and cultural attractions, the famous carnival capital Santa Cruz is an amazingly chilled-out city – many tourists who stay in the seaside resorts never actually make it there.
Spain’s answer to the Sydney Opera House, the Auditorio de Tenerife, is a dazzling white concert hall overlooking the sea, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. There’s also the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Nature and
Man and the fascinating Mercado de Nuestra Senora de Africa, a market selling produce, picnic foods and local crafts. Held in
February, lavish parades, shows and extravagant costumes take over the streets for the annual carnival, considered the second most popular international carnival after Rio.
Escape to an exclusive island, Fuerteventura
Water poured into the ground shoots out in a boiling geyser
The Isla de Lobos, just off Fuerteventura, measures a mere
1.7 square miles. To gain access to this intriguing island, you must obtain a free pass (see lobospass.com). Visiting hours are divided into two shifts of 200 people, morning and afternoon.
To get there, book on to a boat trip or take a 15-minute water taxi from Corralejo harbour. On arrival, this protected islet will treat you to an abundance of flora and fauna; it’s also a habitat for rare birds. Explore the nature reserve and trails which lead across the salt marshes.
Then relax on the beautiful Playa de la Concha, famous for its creamy sand and crystal waters.